Method of producing (nh2(r2)) and/or hydrogen

ABSTRACT

A method of producing NH 2  (R 2 ), the method comprising reacting a metal hydride with a compound having the general formula: M 1   x  (BH 4 ) y  (NH 2  (R 2 )) n  wherein M 1  comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc;  0 &lt;n≦ 4 ; R 2  comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.

The present invention relates to a method of producing NH₂ (R²) and/or hydrogen.

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a potentially useful fuel: it can be produced from a variety of renewable resources and, when used in fuel cells, offers the prospect of near-zero emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases. However, the development and exploitation of hydrogen as a major energy carrier requires solutions to many significant scientific and technological challenges.

Conventional hydrogen storage solutions include liquid hydrogen and compressed gas cylinders. However, a substantial energy input is necessary for either liquefying or compressing the hydrogen. There are also major safety concerns associated with these techniques (high pressure and liquid hydrogen boil-off).

Ammonia, for example, is known to be used as a hydrogen carrier, and, a number of its chemical and physical properties make it particularly suitable for such a purpose. For example, it possesses a high gravimetric density of hydrogen (17.6 wt %), and it is available in large quantities. However, there are a number of problems associated with the. storage of liquid ammonia as a chemical hydrogen store. For example, ammonia has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, a high vapour pressure at ambient conditions and a high propensity for reaction with water, and if released into the air, the vapour has a high toxicity.

The use of a solid state store for ammonia would alleviate a number of these concerns, specifically those of thermal expansion, vapour pressure and reactivity.

WO 2006/012903 discloses a solid ammonia storage material. Although this document is not directed towards hydrogen Btorage, it describes a reaction between MgCl₂ and ammonia at room temperature to form the hexamine MgCl₂ (NH₃)₆. The ammonia may be absorbed and desorbed reversibly. Desorption begins at 150° C., with full ammonia desorption occurring at 400° C. The gravimetric, ammonia density of MgCl₂ (NH₃)₆ is 51.7% and its hydrogen density is 9.1 wt %.

It has been surprisingly discovered that compounds having the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n)

-   -   wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg,         Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc;     -   0<n≦4;     -   R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and     -   x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality,         and, in particular, LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) wherein 0<n≦4, may be used         to provide an improved method of storing and producing ammonia         and/or hydrogen.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of producing NH₂ (R²) and/or hydrogen, the method comprising reacting a metal hydride with a compound having the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n)

-   -   wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg,         Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc;     -   0<n≦4;     -   R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and     -   x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing NH₂ (R²), the method comprising heating at a temperature of from −20 to 150° C. a compound having the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²) )_(n)

-   -   wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg,         Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc,     -   0<n≦4;     -   R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and     -   x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.

When M¹ comprises Li, the method preferably comprises heating at a temperature of from 20 to −60° C.

When M¹ comprises one or more of Na, K, Rb, Cs, the method preferably comprises heating at a temperature of from −20 to 60° C.

When M¹ comprises one or more of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc, the method preferably comprises heating at a temperature of from 40 to 150 ° C.

The temperature of desorption of NH₂R² or hydrogen may also be increased by encapsulating the host material in zeolite and other mesoporous materials.

Each aspect as defined herein may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

The metal hydride used in the present invention comprises one or more hydrides of an alkali metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), an alkaline earth metal (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba), a first row transition metal (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) , a second row transition metal (Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd), and a third row transition metal (La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg). Preferably, the metal hydride comprises one or more, of LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, CsH, BeH₂, MgH₂, CaH₂, SrH₂ and BaH₂. More preferably, the metal hydride comprises LiH. It will be understood that the choice of metal hydride used in the present invention may affect the temperature at which the NH₂R² or hydrogen is released.

Preferably the ratio of M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y)(NH₂ (R²))_(n) to metal hydride is between 1:0.01 and 1:10, more preferably between 1:0.05 and 1:5.

The compound having the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n)

wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n≦4; R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality, as described herein, may be considered as a hydrogen storage, and or ammonia (wherein R²=—H) storage compound or composition.

The present inventors have found that such compounds have particularly advantageous properties which enable them to act as useful ammonia and hydrogen storage materials. These compounds have high gravimetric NH₂ (R²) and hydrogen storage densities. NH₂ (R²) and/or hydrogen may be released under suitably low temperature and pressure conditions for use, for example, in fuel cells. Furthermore, they possess rapid absorption and desorption kinetics, and the absorption and desorption of NH₂ (R²) is reversible.

Further advantages of such compounds for use as storage materials include that the compounds may be made cheaply, from readily-available materials using low-energy preparation methods. They are typically resistant to poisoning by trace impurities and generally have good thermal conductivity in charged and uncharged conditions.

The compound of the present invention having the general formula: M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) is preferably in the solid form.

M¹ as described herein comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc. In one embodiment of the present invention M¹ is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga or Sc. More preferably M¹ is Li, or Na. Most preferably M¹ is Li.

In another embodiment M¹ comprises at least 70% molar proportion of Li and the balance is one of more of Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc. For example, M¹ may comprise (Li_(0.7)Na_(0.3))⁺. Preferably M¹ comprises at least 80% molar proportion of Li and the balance is one of more of Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc. More preferably, M¹ comprises at least 90% molar proportion of Li and the balance is one of more of Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc. Most preferably, M¹ comprises at least 95% molar proportion of Li and the balance is one of more of Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc.

In one embodiment of the present invention wherein M¹ comprises Li, the Li may be doped with up to 10% (by total weight of Li) of one or more of Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺. In another embodiment wherein M¹ comprises Li, the Li may be doped with up to 20% (by total, weight of Li) of one or more of Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, La³⁺, Al³⁺, Ga³⁺, Sc³⁺.

The present inventors have found that the temperature absorption and desorption of NH₂ (R²) and of hydrogen, may be modified by the choice of M¹.

R² comprises one or more of —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent. More preferably, R² comprises —H. Preferably the alkyl is a straight of branched alkyl having one to ten, or greater carbons. Preferably, when R² is an aromatic substituent it has six or more carbons.

The present inventors have found that the temperature absorption and desorption of NH₂ (R²) and of hydrogen, may also be modified by the choice of NH₂ (R²) .

In one embodiment of the present invention M¹ is Li, 0<n≦4 and R² comprises —H, such that the metal hydride is reacted with LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n), wherein 0<n≦4. The present inventors have found that LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n), wherein 0<n≦4 is a highly efficient ambient temperature (at below approximately 40 to 60° C.) ammonia store, and a high gravimetric density, high temperature (at approximately 200 to 300° C.) hydrogen store material.

Compounds having the general formula: M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) may be synthesised via a number of routes.

For example, excess gaseous ammonia may be flowed over dry M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) in an inert (argon gas) environment at room temperature.

Alternatively, dry M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) may be treated with dried liquid ammonia at −68° C. in an inert (argon gas) environment.

Preferably, the method of producing NH₂ (R²) in the presence of a metal hydride as described herein is carried out in the temperature range of from 0 to 40020 C. More preferably, it is carried out in the temperature range of from 0 to 100° C., from 100 to 150° C., from 150 to 200° C., or from 200 to 400° C. Most preferably it is carried out in the temperature range of from 0 to 50° C. It will, however, be understood that the temperature used in the method of the present invention to produce NH₂ (R²) will vary depending on the specific composition of the starting compound and the metal hydride(s) used.

In the presence of a metal hydride the temperatures required for ammonia release are typically lower than those required in the absence of a metal hydride.

The method of the present invention for producing NH₂(R²) has the advantage that the NH₂ (R²) may be produced at low temperatures. Whereas prior art methods typically require temperatures greater than 150° C., NH₂ (R²) may be released from M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) at temperatures as low as −20° C.

Preferably, the method of producing hydrogen by directly mixing M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) with a metal hydride as described herein is carried out in the temperature of from 0 to 400° C. More preferably, it is carried put in the temperature range , of from 0 to 100° C. from 100 to 200° C., from 200 to 300° C., or from 300 to 400° C. Most preferably it is carried out in the temperature range from 0 to 100° C. It will, however, be understood that the temperature used in the method of the present invention to produce hydrogen will vary depending on the specific composition of the starting compound and which metal hydride(s) is used.

When the compound of the present invention is LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n), an enhanced release of hydrogen may he observed when LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) is heated from between 275 and 350° C. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought that the additional hydrogen release is a result of the decomposition of Li₄BN₃H₁₀, which is produced when LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) (0<n≦4) is heated.

Decomposition of LiBN₃H₁₀ may be as follows:

Li₄BN₃H₁₀

Li₃BN₂+0.5Li₂NH+0.5NH₃+4 H₂

Alternatively, the following reaction may occur:

Li₄BN₃H₁₀+0.5LiBH₄

1.5Li₃BN₂+6H₂.

Both of these reactions are believed to occur between 275 and 350° C. and result in the release of hydrogen.

Compounds having the general formula: M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y)(NH₂ (R²))_(n) as described herein preferably may be stored in a stable form at between −20 and 200° C. depending on the composition.

In one embodiment of the present invention a metal hydride (for example; LiH, NaH, MgH₂) is reacted in the same vessel as M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) (for example, LiBH₄(NH₃)_(n)) to produce hydrogen. Preferably the molar ratio of M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) to metal hydride is from 1:3 to 1:n, more preferably from 1:3 to 1:2n, most preferably from 1:3 to 1: (2n-3) , wherein 0≦n≦4.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought that the following reactions occur when LiBH₄ (NH₃) n is reacted with LiH:

It will be understood that the temperature of reaction may be controlled though chemical substitution of some of the Li in LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n), wherein 0<n≦4, with a metal comprising one or more of Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc. For example, including some Mg in the LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) increases the temperature at which NH₃ is removed from the compound.

In another embodiment of the present invention, hydrogen may be produced by a two-step process. NH₂ (R²) may be produced by heating from 20 to 60° C. a compound having the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n)

-   -   wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Na, K, Li, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg,         Ca, Al, Ga and Sc;     -   0<n≦4;     -   R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and     -   x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.

The NH₂ (R²) produced may then be reacted with a metal hydride to produce hydrogen.

In this embodiment the molar ratio of NH₂ (R²) to metal hydride is preferably 1:1.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought that the following reactions occur when LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) is firstly heated to remove NH₃, and then the NH₃ produced is reacted in a separate vessel with LiH:

LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄+heat(54C.)

LiBH₄ (s)+4NH₃ (g)

4NH₃+8LiH

4Li₂NH+8H₂

Preferably, in the two-step method of producing hydrogen as described herein, the first step is carried out in the temperature range from −20 to 200° C. and the second step is carried out in the temperature range of from 50 to 300° C.

More preferably, the first step is carried out in the temperature range of from −20 to 100° C., from 20 to 80° C., from 20 to 60° C. or from 40 to 60° C.

More preferably, the second step is carried out in the temperature range of from 50 to 250° C., from 50 to 200° C., from 50 to 150° C. or from 100 to 150° C.

It will, however, be understood that the temperature used in the method of the present invention to produce hydrogen will vary depending on the specific composition of the starting compound and which metal hydride(s) is used.

The methods of the present invention may be carried out in a fuel cell. In particular, the use of the compound described herein as a hydrogen storage material has many advantages over known hydrogen storage materials. For example, it may be transported safely and conveniently in the solid form between, for example, −20 and 200° C. (depending on the specific composition) under an inert atmosphere. Furthermore, when M¹ (BH₄) (NH₂R²)_(n) is heated to produce (NH₂R²)_(n) in the absence of a metal hydride, M¹ (BH₄) may be recovered, and reacted with (NH₂R²)_(n) to regenerate M¹ (BH₄) (NH₂R²)_(n).

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for producing hydrogen, said apparatus comprising:

-   -   storage means containing a metal hydride;     -   housing means containing a compound of the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n)

-   -   wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg,         Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc;     -   0<n≦4;     -   R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and     -   x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality; and     -   means for contacting the metal hydride with the compound of the         general formula M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n).

In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a reaction vessel and means for transferring the metal hydride from the storage means to the reaction vessel, and means for transferring the compound from the housing means to the reaction vessel.

In another embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise means for transferring said metal hydride from the storage means into the housing means.

In another embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise means for transferring said compound of the general formula M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) from the housing means to the storage means.

The apparatus may further comprise a fuel cell and means for transferring any hydrogen produced to the fuel cell.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for producing hydrogen, said apparatus comprising:

-   -   storage means containing a metal hydride;     -   housing means containing a compound of the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n)

-   -   -   wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be,             Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc;         -   0<n≦4;         -   R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and         -   x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality;             and         -   means for heating said compound to produce NH₂ (R²); and         -   means for contacting the NH₂ (R²) produced with the metal             hydride.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a first reaction vessel and means for transferring said compound of the general formula M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) from the housing means to the first reaction vessel. The compound may be heated in said reaction vessel to produce NH₂ (R²).

The apparatus may further comprise a means for transferring the metal hydride to the first reaction vessel. The NH₂ (R²) produced may then be reacted in situ in the reaction vessel with the metal hydride to produce hydrogen.

Alternatively, the apparatus may further comprise a second reaction vessel, means for transferring said NH₂ (R²) produced in the first reaction vessel to the second reaction vessel and a means for transferring the metal hydride from the storage means to the second reaction vessel.

The apparatus may further comprises a fuel cell and means for transferring any hydrogen produced to the fuel cell.

In further aspect of the present invention there is provided an adiabatic heat pump comprising a housing means for a compound having the general formula:

M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n)

-   -   wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg,         Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc;     -   0<n≦4;     -   R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and     -   x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality;         means for heating said compound to produce NH₂ (R²); means for         transferring energy from said NH₂ (R²) and means for recycling         said produced NH₂ (R²) to reform said starting compound.

The present invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1: Synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for the larger LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) phase of the nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄.

FIG. 2: Synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for both LiBH₄(NH₃)_(n) phases, nominal compositions LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄, and LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄.

FIG. 3 a: FTIR spectrum of LiBH₄.

FIG. 3 b: FTIR spectrum of LiBH₄ (NB₃)_(n) phase of the nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄.

FIG. 4: Solid state NMR spectrum for LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) phase of the nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄.

FIG. 5: Temperature resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) phases (n=2 and 4).

FIG. 6: Temperature resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for the 230 and 301 diffraction peaks of LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) phase of the nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄.

FIG. 7: Temperature resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for the 400 diffraction peak of LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) phase of the nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₂

FIG. 8: Temperature resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for the 230 and 301 diffraction peaks of LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) phase of the nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄ when mixed with LiH.

FIG. 9: Temperature resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for the 400 diffraction peak of LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) phase of the nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃) a when mixed with LiH.

EXAMPLES Preparation of LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) as Used in the Following Examples

LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) may be synthesised via a number of routes. For example, excess gaseous ammonia may be flowed over dry LiBH₄ in an inert (argon gas) environment at room temperature (see Equation 1).

In particular, LiBH₄ (Sigma-Aldrich) may be placed in a schlenk tube, attached to a vaccum line and evacuated to 10⁻³ mbar. Ammonia gas (Sigma-Aldrich) is then flown over the LiBH₄ for 12 hrs, the excess ammonia removed by dynamic vacuum, and the system then flushed with argon gas.

Alternatively, dry LiBH₄ may be treated with dried liquid ammonia at −68° C. in an inert (argon gas) environment (See Equation 2).

For example, LiBH₄ may be placed in a schlenk tube, attached to a vaccum line, evacuated to 10⁻³ mbar and then cooled to −68° C. in a dry ice/isopropanol bath. Ammonia (Sigma-Aldrich) gas is then condensed onto the LiBH₄ sample and allowed to react for two hours. The excess ammonia is then removed by dynamic vacuum, and the system then flushed with argon gas. All handling of materials before and after the reactions was carried out in a purified argon glove-box with an oxygen content of less than 0.1 ppm.

Characterization of LiBH₄ (NH₃)n

LiBH₄ (NH₃)n may be characterised in a number of ways, for example, by neutron diffraction, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

For neutron diffraction data, the samples were prepared from ND₃ and ¹¹B enriched LiBD₄ instead of NH₃ and LiBH₄. These samples were loaded and sealed in vanadium cans in an inert, argon atmosphere glove box and data collected, on the GEM diffractometer at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

For X-ray diffraction data, samples were loaded and sealed into borosilicate glass capillaries in a nitrogen atmosphere glove bag, and data collected on the ID31 diffractometer at the ESRF, Grenoble.

Synchrotron X-ray Studies I Synthesis

The X-ray diffraction data from a sample (S1) of the condensed phase obtained from reaction (1) is represented in FIG. 1, where a new phase (phase A), nominally LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄, is identified along with a small amount of unreacted LiBH₄. Crystallographic analysis and indexing of phase A was performed using the TOPAS programme, and has shown it to be an orthorhombic phase in the Pmmm space group with lattice parameters of a=9.62 Å, b=13.7504 Å and c=4.442 Å.

The X-ray diffraction data from a sample (S2) of the condensed phase obtained from reaction (2) is represented in FIG. 2 and shows the presence of two phases, one identical to that identified above as phase A, and another of nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₂ (phase B), together with a small amount of unreacted LiBH₄. Crystallographic Analysis and indexing of phase B was again performed using the TOPAS programme, and has shown it to be an orthorhombic phase in the Pmmm space group with lattice parameters of a=14.3424 Å, b=5.969 Å and c=4.464 Å.

FTIR

Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectra were acquired from a Nicolet Magna FTIR equipped with a liquid nitrogen cooled MCTB detector from KBr disk;-samples of phase A and B at a resolution of 2 cm⁻¹. The FTIR spectrum of LiBH₄ before adsorption of ammonia demonstrated peaks at 1126 cm⁻¹, corresponding to a BH₂ deformation, and at 2225 cm⁻¹, 2238 cm⁻¹, 2291 cm⁻¹ and 2386 cm⁻¹, corresponding to B-H₂ (terminal) stretching (FIG. 3 a). The spectrum of the LiBH₄ after adsorption of ammonia (FIG. 3 b) shows the BH₂ deformation to be now split into two peaks, occurring at 1122 cm⁻¹ and 1131 cm⁻¹, with three of the B-Ht stretches now occurring at 2218 cm⁻¹, 2311 cm⁻¹ and 2386 cm⁻¹ and the absorption at 2238 cm⁻¹ in LiBH₄ to be split into two peaks at 2233 cm⁻and 2275 cm⁻¹, which we believe to be due to the coordinated ammonia species. New peaks at 1197 cm⁻¹ and in the 3600-3200 cm⁻¹ region are assigned, to N—H vibrations of adsorbed ammonia.

NMR

Solid state ¹¹B NMR spectra were acquired on a 400 MHz Varian Inova spectrometer. Samples were packed into 3.2 mm o.d. rotors and spun at the magic angle at rates of 10 to 15 KHz. A pulse width of 0.4 to 1.4 μs was employed for data acquisition. The proton-decoupled solid state ¹¹B NMR spectra of untreated LiBH₄ gave a single central transition at approximately −41.0 ppm, which, after adsorption of ammonia (FIG. 4), was found to be at −40.4 ppm implying that there is no bond formation between the boron and the ammonia.

Example 1 Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction Studies II Temperature Resolved Ammonia Desorption

The S2 sample was heated, from room temperature (295K) to 325K, with synchrotron X-ray diffraction data taken at every 2K, and this data is represented in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows an expansion of these data to highlight the 230 and 301 diffraction peaks of phase A (nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄). It can be clearly seen from these data that phase A has almost decomposed by 317K, and is complete decomposed by 319K. This is consistent with the loss of ammonia from phase A according to the following equation;

and thus corresponds to ammonia desorption temperature of 319K (46° C.).

FIG. 7 shows the 400 diffraction peak of phase B (nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₂) as a function of temperature. It can be clearly seen that the decomposition of Phase B is considerably more gradual than that of Phase A. This is evident even if Phase A is converted to Phase B before decomposition, as would be expected for ammonia loss from materials of nominal composition LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄ (A), forming LiBH₄ (NH₃)₂ (B), since decomposition of phase B continues to proceed slowly even after the decomposition temperature of phase A (319K). Close inspection of FIG. 7 suggests that there is very little decomposition of phase B between 319K and 321K. This is consistent with the conversion of phase A into phase B at this temperature, with the newly formed phase B replacing that which decomposes, resulting in an overall appearance of little or no decomposition. The decrease of phase B as a function of temperature can be clearly identified in FIG. 7, with complete decomposition occurring at 327K (54° C.) . This decomposition is consistent with the loss of ammonia from phase B according to the following equation;

Continued heating of S2 beyond 327K caused rupture of the capillary.

The ammines of LiBH₄. (LiBH₄ (NH₃)_(n) 0<n≦4) thus possess equivalent or greater gravimetric ammonia and hydrogen densities than their MgCl₂ counterparts and clearly show ammonia desorption at much lower temperatures.

Example 2 Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction Studies IV Hydrogen Production at Low Temperature

Evidence for hydrogen production from LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄ at approximately 50° C.

Phase A (LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄), produce by reaction of LiBH, and gaseous ammonia (1), was intimately mixed with lithium hydride and heated at 50° C., 100° C., 150° C. and 200° C. under an argon atmosphere. At each temperature, synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies show that the following reaction had occurred;

LiBH₄ (NH₃),₄,+4LiH→Li₄BN₃H₁₀+0.5LiNH₃+0.5LiH+0.5NH₃+0.5H₂

giving a gravimetric hydrogen density of 5.76 wt %.

The reaction as observed has not proceeded to completion, and may do so in a stoichiometric manner with differing products, depending on the amount of lithium hydride added;

LiBH₄ (NH₃),₄,+5LiH→Li₄BN₃H₁₀+Li₂NH+4H₂

which has a theoretical maximum gravimetric hydrogen density of 6.2 wt %.

LiBH₄ (NH₃),₄,+3LiH→Li₄BN₃H₁₀+NH₃+3H₂

which has a theoretical maximum gravimetric hydrogen density of 5.3 wt %.

Analysis of the temperature resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for the 230 and 301 peaks of nominal LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄ (FIG. 8) and the 400 peak of nominal LiBH₄ (NH₃)₂

(FIG. 9) shows a significant change in the temperature of decomposition in the presence of LiH. Both the LiBH₄ (NH₃)₄ and LiBH₄ (NH₃)₂ phases are now shown to decompose completely by 316K (43° C.) in the presence of LiH, as opposed to 319K (46° C.) for n=4 and 327K (54° C.) for n=2 in its absence. 

1. A method of producing NH₂(R²), the method comprising reacting a metal hydride with a compound having the general formula: M¹ _(x)(BH₄)_(y)(NH₂(R²))_(n) wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n≦4; R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.
 2. A method of producing hydrogen, the method comprising reacting a metal hydride with a compound having the general formula: M¹ _(x)(BH₄)_(y)(NH₂(R²))_(n) wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n≦4; R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.
 3. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the metal hydride comprises one or more of LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, CsH, BeH₂, MgH₂, CaH₂, SrH₂, BaH₂, ScH₃, AlH₃, GaH₃; InH₃, SnH₄, SbH₅, and PbH₄, BiH₃.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the metal hydride comprises LiH.
 5. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the metal hydride comprises a hydride of one or more of a first row transition metal (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), a second row transition metal (Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd), and a third row transition metal (La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg).
 6. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein R² is hydrogen.
 7. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein M¹ is Li.
 8. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the reaction is carried out in the temperature range of from 0 to 400° C.
 9. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the reaction is carried out in the temperature range of from 275 to 350° C.
 10. A method of producing NH₂(R²), the method comprising heating at a temperature of from −20 to 150° C. a compound having the general formula: M¹ _(x)(BH₄)_(y)(NH₂(R²))_(n) wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n≦4; R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said compound is heated at a temperature of from 40 to 60° C.
 12. A method of producing hydrogen comprising reacting said NH₂(R²) produced using the method of any one of claims 1 or 10 with a metal hydride.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the metal hydride comprises one or more of LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, CsH, BeH₂, MgH₂, CaH₂, SrH₂, BaH₂, ScH₃, AlH₃; GaH₃, InH₃, SnH₄, SbH₅, and PbH₄, BiH₃.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the metal hydride comprises LiH.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein the metal hydride comprises a hydride of one or more of a first row transition metal (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), a second row transition metal (Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd), and a third row transition metal (La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg).
 16. A method according to any one of claim 1, 2 or 10 which is carried out in a fuel cell.
 17. An apparatus for producing hydrogen, said apparatus comprising: storage means containing a metal hydride; housing means containing a compound of the general formula: M¹ _(x)(BH₄)_(y)(NH₂(R₂))_(n) wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n≦4; R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality; and means for contacting the metal hydride with the compound of the general formula M¹ _(x)(BH₄)_(y)(NH₂(R²))_(n).
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17 which further comprises a fuel cell and means for transferring any hydrogen produced to the fuel cell.
 19. An apparatus for producing hydrogen, said apparatus comprising: storage means containing a metal hydride; housing means containing a compound of the general formula: M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n≦4; R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality; and means for heating said compound to produce NH₂ (R²); and means for contacting the NH₂ (R²) produced with the metal hydride.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 19 which further comprises a fuel cell and means for transferring any hydrogen produced to the fuel cell.
 21. An adiabatic heat pump comprising a housing means for a compound having the general formula: M¹ _(x) (BH₄)_(y) (NH₂ (R²))_(n) wherein M¹ comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n≦4; R² comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality; means for heating said compound to produce NH₂ (R²); means for transferring energy from said NH₂ (R²) and means for recycling said produced NH₂ (R²) to reform said starting compound. 